Hey fellas,I just learned about this site and figured this would be a good place to ask questions and contribute. I am currently serving Overseas and I have boatload of loot saved up and I want to build a rifle similar to the M40 that I am fielding now. Not sure if I want to stay in the 308 category so if you guys have better suggestions please let me know. Also any help with custom shops would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
- Thread starter SDHOG
- Start date
Re: Want to build a precision rifle need help.
My suggestion is to read alot on this site and get and idea of what you want and what you want to do with it then ask questions. Your subject is just too broad to really give you and answer with what you have given.
My suggestion is to read alot on this site and get and idea of what you want and what you want to do with it then ask questions. Your subject is just too broad to really give you and answer with what you have given.
Re: Want to build a precision rifle need help.
after the above( gathering your info) take your time and watch the for sale section for a completed version of what you want, it is often 20 -25 % less than a fresh build and without the wait - again educate yourself on pricing etc, and be ready to move - when the good deals come they often sell in 20 minutes
after the above( gathering your info) take your time and watch the for sale section for a completed version of what you want, it is often 20 -25 % less than a fresh build and without the wait - again educate yourself on pricing etc, and be ready to move - when the good deals come they often sell in 20 minutes
Re: Want to build a precision rifle need help.
Thanks George, I appreciate the suggestion. I am new here and haven't been introduced to a lot of custom builds. All of my experience is on the mil side dealing with haj so I apologize if I inconvenience some people. I just figured you guys seem to be very knowledgeable to the civilian side of things. This is a forum right?? I guess tigerfan9 is to battle hardened to give me any real advice except to "read a lot" and would rather just run his poser mouth. I didn't think I was asking to much looking for caliber suggestions and custom builders. I sure hope this site isn't like Ar 15 with a bunch of wannabe assholes that sharpshoot everyone. I do appreciate your advice and thank you. I did see the for sale section and I'm already thinking about going that route.
Thanks George, I appreciate the suggestion. I am new here and haven't been introduced to a lot of custom builds. All of my experience is on the mil side dealing with haj so I apologize if I inconvenience some people. I just figured you guys seem to be very knowledgeable to the civilian side of things. This is a forum right?? I guess tigerfan9 is to battle hardened to give me any real advice except to "read a lot" and would rather just run his poser mouth. I didn't think I was asking to much looking for caliber suggestions and custom builders. I sure hope this site isn't like Ar 15 with a bunch of wannabe assholes that sharpshoot everyone. I do appreciate your advice and thank you. I did see the for sale section and I'm already thinking about going that route.
Re: Want to build a precision rifle need help.
If ya can't ask questions you might as well turn to Google. It will search not only this forum but all of em for ya. It's hell to be the new guy wanting to ask questions and just get referred to the search function.
If ya can't ask questions you might as well turn to Google. It will search not only this forum but all of em for ya. It's hell to be the new guy wanting to ask questions and just get referred to the search function.
Re: Want to build a precision rifle need help.
Amen brother, I guess I'm not experienced enough behind a "SNIPER RIFLE" in the civilian world to deserve a legit response. I guess once I get out of this third world shit hole and come back stateside someday. Maybe then I'll be worth a decent response from tigerfan9. You know when I'm no longer a real sniper but a fake poser one that has nothing better to do than hang out on these sites and pretend how bad ass my fat civilian ass is.
Sorry for the rant but I f****** hate poser assholes like that.
Amen brother, I guess I'm not experienced enough behind a "SNIPER RIFLE" in the civilian world to deserve a legit response. I guess once I get out of this third world shit hole and come back stateside someday. Maybe then I'll be worth a decent response from tigerfan9. You know when I'm no longer a real sniper but a fake poser one that has nothing better to do than hang out on these sites and pretend how bad ass my fat civilian ass is.
Sorry for the rant but I f****** hate poser assholes like that.
Re: Want to build a precision rifle need help.
BTW, I'm using Moon at Crescent Customs. There are lots of good builders though I just don't have any experience with em.
L
BTW, I'm using Moon at Crescent Customs. There are lots of good builders though I just don't have any experience with em.
L
Re: Want to build a precision rifle need help.
You could start by looking at GAP's M40A3/A5 spec'd builds. They have at least one previous 2112 Precision Weapons Armorer, so they'll get you as close to the actual rifle you carried as you could get. There are other smith's with those credentials, so I would look for them to get a spec'd M40. Then again, you may find that you'd rather personally own something different, and that is something that will only come with experience. What tigerfan was getting at is that you can try to substitute for some of that experience by reading on here A LOT. Taking what you said about having experience in the .mil sector you prob have a good bit of experience on a limited number of systems, but maybe haven't had the opportunity to discover that you may like a different style of stock. Research is your best friend unless you have a very specific question. Spend a lot of time looking around and using the search function to look for civvy M40 builds to get a grasp of what you'd like. There are a ton of posts very similar to yours every week, and some people become terse after answering the same questions over and over again. That's what I've grasped as being someone relatively clueless in the scheme of this site.
You could start by looking at GAP's M40A3/A5 spec'd builds. They have at least one previous 2112 Precision Weapons Armorer, so they'll get you as close to the actual rifle you carried as you could get. There are other smith's with those credentials, so I would look for them to get a spec'd M40. Then again, you may find that you'd rather personally own something different, and that is something that will only come with experience. What tigerfan was getting at is that you can try to substitute for some of that experience by reading on here A LOT. Taking what you said about having experience in the .mil sector you prob have a good bit of experience on a limited number of systems, but maybe haven't had the opportunity to discover that you may like a different style of stock. Research is your best friend unless you have a very specific question. Spend a lot of time looking around and using the search function to look for civvy M40 builds to get a grasp of what you'd like. There are a ton of posts very similar to yours every week, and some people become terse after answering the same questions over and over again. That's what I've grasped as being someone relatively clueless in the scheme of this site.
Re: Want to build a precision rifle need help.
I think looking through the for sale section here is a good suggestion. I often see M40 and M24 "clones" there.
Check the site sponsors as far as custom buildeers go. Most of them are building really high quality rifles. Any of them should be able to build anything you want, tailored to your needs.
Another good idea is to go to the GA Precision website. They offer complete M40 packages and have A1, A3 and A5 variants. It would be really hard to beat the performance of a GAP rifle.
As for caliber, there may be other opinions but I happen to like .308 as a good all round caliber. Relatively low recoil, ready availability of match ammo, reasonably priced ammo, good barrel life, good accuracy, etc., etc.
I think looking through the for sale section here is a good suggestion. I often see M40 and M24 "clones" there.
Check the site sponsors as far as custom buildeers go. Most of them are building really high quality rifles. Any of them should be able to build anything you want, tailored to your needs.
Another good idea is to go to the GA Precision website. They offer complete M40 packages and have A1, A3 and A5 variants. It would be really hard to beat the performance of a GAP rifle.
As for caliber, there may be other opinions but I happen to like .308 as a good all round caliber. Relatively low recoil, ready availability of match ammo, reasonably priced ammo, good barrel life, good accuracy, etc., etc.
Re: Want to build a precision rifle need help.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SDHOG</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks George, I appreciate the suggestion. I am new here and haven't been introduced to a lot of custom builds. All of my experience is on the mil side dealing with haj so I apologize if I inconvenience some people. I just figured you guys seem to be very knowledgeable to the civilian side of things. This is a forum right?? I guess tigerfan9 is to battle hardened to give me any real advice except to "read a lot" and would rather just run his poser mouth. I didn't think I was asking to much looking for caliber suggestions and custom builders. I sure hope this site isn't like Ar 15 with a bunch of wannabe assholes that sharpshoot everyone. I do appreciate your advice and thank you. I did see the for sale section and I'm already thinking about going that route.</div></div>
Don't be an asshole....i was not trying to be a dick in any way but if you can't tell us what you want or will be using it for then we can't really give you an answer. you are new here so i simply said to browse around for more then a day and you will have specific questions and get ideas from loads of builds that are on here and then we can help you. i am in no way a poser nor do i claim to be an expert nor do i have much experience but i am going through my first build and was in your same boat 6-8 months ago and i have been researching endlessly. Sorry for giving you a suggestion to read a bit and get some ideas and specific questions then come back and ask.
I can figure out who the ahole is in this convo and it ain't me.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SDHOG</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks George, I appreciate the suggestion. I am new here and haven't been introduced to a lot of custom builds. All of my experience is on the mil side dealing with haj so I apologize if I inconvenience some people. I just figured you guys seem to be very knowledgeable to the civilian side of things. This is a forum right?? I guess tigerfan9 is to battle hardened to give me any real advice except to "read a lot" and would rather just run his poser mouth. I didn't think I was asking to much looking for caliber suggestions and custom builders. I sure hope this site isn't like Ar 15 with a bunch of wannabe assholes that sharpshoot everyone. I do appreciate your advice and thank you. I did see the for sale section and I'm already thinking about going that route.</div></div>
Don't be an asshole....i was not trying to be a dick in any way but if you can't tell us what you want or will be using it for then we can't really give you an answer. you are new here so i simply said to browse around for more then a day and you will have specific questions and get ideas from loads of builds that are on here and then we can help you. i am in no way a poser nor do i claim to be an expert nor do i have much experience but i am going through my first build and was in your same boat 6-8 months ago and i have been researching endlessly. Sorry for giving you a suggestion to read a bit and get some ideas and specific questions then come back and ask.
I can figure out who the ahole is in this convo and it ain't me.
Re: Want to build a precision rifle need help.
Theres many good custom builders out there. GAP is among the most prominent of tactical rifle builders around along with many other quality smiths.
308's a good caliber but is outlcassed in almost everyway by the 6.5mm chamberings.
I hear theres a nice 260 GAP for sale in the classifieds right now
Theres many good custom builders out there. GAP is among the most prominent of tactical rifle builders around along with many other quality smiths.
308's a good caliber but is outlcassed in almost everyway by the 6.5mm chamberings.
I hear theres a nice 260 GAP for sale in the classifieds right now
Re: Want to build a precision rifle need help.
Sure these guys are giving suggestion but they don't even know what you want.....I'm not going to say you NEED this or that or you should buy this used gun without knowing what your goals for the rifle are, and what you will be using it for and what your budget is.
Give some details about what you want and you will get some lots of input from me and others with build, part, caliber, gunsmith suggestions.
Sure these guys are giving suggestion but they don't even know what you want.....I'm not going to say you NEED this or that or you should buy this used gun without knowing what your goals for the rifle are, and what you will be using it for and what your budget is.
Give some details about what you want and you will get some lots of input from me and others with build, part, caliber, gunsmith suggestions.
Re: Want to build a precision rifle need help.
Let me ask you this. Is it that hard to ask "what are you gonna use it for?" Or even this. "First thing you should do is figure out what you are going to use it for and then maybe I can give you an educated suggestion". My response would have been. "Thank you I should have been a little more detailed I'm planning on using it 1000 yards and in. I would also like to be able to take possibly medium sized game down with it. But primarily it will be used for shooting steel". Not that hard. I don't mean to come off hard but I call it like I see it.That is the world I live in. You had enough time to write your first response and tell me basically to go learn some shit. You could have easily really tried to help me and asked a legit question. Now really can you look at yourself in the mirror? or can't you.
Let me ask you this. Is it that hard to ask "what are you gonna use it for?" Or even this. "First thing you should do is figure out what you are going to use it for and then maybe I can give you an educated suggestion". My response would have been. "Thank you I should have been a little more detailed I'm planning on using it 1000 yards and in. I would also like to be able to take possibly medium sized game down with it. But primarily it will be used for shooting steel". Not that hard. I don't mean to come off hard but I call it like I see it.That is the world I live in. You had enough time to write your first response and tell me basically to go learn some shit. You could have easily really tried to help me and asked a legit question. Now really can you look at yourself in the mirror? or can't you.
Re: Want to build a precision rifle need help.
I don't think tigerfan9 meant any disrespect to you.I think he was just saying do a lot of looking and reading on this sight because there talking about a lot of different calibers on here.And doing a lot of looking an reading then you might find the caliber that you want to build.It's easy to take words the wrong way when your reading them than it is when your having some one talking to you its easy to tell if there getting asinine with you.there is a lot of good people here that will help you.Good luck to ya.
I don't think tigerfan9 meant any disrespect to you.I think he was just saying do a lot of looking and reading on this sight because there talking about a lot of different calibers on here.And doing a lot of looking an reading then you might find the caliber that you want to build.It's easy to take words the wrong way when your reading them than it is when your having some one talking to you its easy to tell if there getting asinine with you.there is a lot of good people here that will help you.Good luck to ya.
Re: Want to build a precision rifle need help.
i would suggest a red jacket built sniperized AK
i would suggest a red jacket built sniperized AK
Re: Want to build a precision rifle need help.
His first post alluded to him wanting to know what you would be doing with it. <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tigerfan9</div><div class="ubbcode-body">...get and idea of what you want and what you want to do with it ...</div></div>
He wasn't being an asshole and if you didn't like his reply then you could have just as easily ignored it and moved on. No big deal.
All this bullshit aside, GA Precision has an incredible reputation and will make you a rifle very similar to the one you're serving with. 308 is great on barrels but doesn't have the best ballistics. It will get the job done though. If I were in your shoes I'd stick with it for sentimental reasons. Otherwise, other popular options that fit in a short action are the 243Win, 260Rem, 6.5x47L, 6.5CM, and 7mm-08. Any of these are outstanding choices.
His first post alluded to him wanting to know what you would be doing with it. <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tigerfan9</div><div class="ubbcode-body">...get and idea of what you want and what you want to do with it ...</div></div>
He wasn't being an asshole and if you didn't like his reply then you could have just as easily ignored it and moved on. No big deal.
All this bullshit aside, GA Precision has an incredible reputation and will make you a rifle very similar to the one you're serving with. 308 is great on barrels but doesn't have the best ballistics. It will get the job done though. If I were in your shoes I'd stick with it for sentimental reasons. Otherwise, other popular options that fit in a short action are the 243Win, 260Rem, 6.5x47L, 6.5CM, and 7mm-08. Any of these are outstanding choices.
Re: Want to build a precision rifle need help.
SDHog,
If you are building an M-40A3/5 type rifle for sentimental or other training reasons, I'd recommend staying with the .308 Winchester for your first build. Good ammo is everywhere, you are familiar with the trajectory of the cartridge, it fits in your gear, its good enough for the military,etc.
Everyone needs, or should have, a good solid, accurate .308 Winchester in this day and age. Perhaps everyone who has built their first custom rifle thinks it will be their last (the perfect rifle). Most of us who did that have already built our second or third, or... tenth custom rifle since. Those that have not are planning one, I'd bet.
Once you get back to the States and get off base and away from ammo and arms issued by the governement, you will find the need/want to have something more efficient and capable of distance than the .308 (.260, .243, 6.5...) There is nothing wrong with that. You will never want to part with the .308 if your builder has done it right. You will just want a second or third rifle. Nothing wrong with that, either.
I've been in a similar situation to you right now. I managed without the help of the internet and still own all of the rifles I have ever owned with no regrets. Build a .308 M-40 clone (because you know what you like and dislike about it, it is known to you) and fully expect to keep it until you have figured out what number two will look like (will become known through additional exposure and experience off base around civilians).
Thanks for your service and stay safe, Jarhead. If you don't like my comments, you can call me an a-hole. I don't care. You can't hurt me with a word, typed or spoken.
Semper fi,
SDHog,
If you are building an M-40A3/5 type rifle for sentimental or other training reasons, I'd recommend staying with the .308 Winchester for your first build. Good ammo is everywhere, you are familiar with the trajectory of the cartridge, it fits in your gear, its good enough for the military,etc.
Everyone needs, or should have, a good solid, accurate .308 Winchester in this day and age. Perhaps everyone who has built their first custom rifle thinks it will be their last (the perfect rifle). Most of us who did that have already built our second or third, or... tenth custom rifle since. Those that have not are planning one, I'd bet.
Once you get back to the States and get off base and away from ammo and arms issued by the governement, you will find the need/want to have something more efficient and capable of distance than the .308 (.260, .243, 6.5...) There is nothing wrong with that. You will never want to part with the .308 if your builder has done it right. You will just want a second or third rifle. Nothing wrong with that, either.
I've been in a similar situation to you right now. I managed without the help of the internet and still own all of the rifles I have ever owned with no regrets. Build a .308 M-40 clone (because you know what you like and dislike about it, it is known to you) and fully expect to keep it until you have figured out what number two will look like (will become known through additional exposure and experience off base around civilians).
Thanks for your service and stay safe, Jarhead. If you don't like my comments, you can call me an a-hole. I don't care. You can't hurt me with a word, typed or spoken.
Semper fi,
Re: Want to build a precision rifle need help.
Mike Lau from Texas Brigade Armory makes some excellent copies of anything from the M40A1 to the A3/A5.
As far as cartridge:
If you don't reload, it is hard to beat the availability of .308 for the sheer quantity of match grade ammo.
6.5 Creedmore will beat the pants off the .308 with less recoil and is good for anything up to Elk.
If you do reload, .260 Rem is very hard to beat. Brass can be made from .308, 7mm-08 or .243. Range brass is easy, you could pick up 30 pieces of brass in 10 minutes on many ranges.
It as exterior ballistics like the .300 win mag with less recoil than the .308.
Overall, very similar to the 6.5 CM, but with more brass available.
Mike Lau from Texas Brigade Armory makes some excellent copies of anything from the M40A1 to the A3/A5.
As far as cartridge:
If you don't reload, it is hard to beat the availability of .308 for the sheer quantity of match grade ammo.
6.5 Creedmore will beat the pants off the .308 with less recoil and is good for anything up to Elk.
If you do reload, .260 Rem is very hard to beat. Brass can be made from .308, 7mm-08 or .243. Range brass is easy, you could pick up 30 pieces of brass in 10 minutes on many ranges.
It as exterior ballistics like the .300 win mag with less recoil than the .308.
Overall, very similar to the 6.5 CM, but with more brass available.
G
Guest
Guest
Re: Want to build a precision rifle need help.
Here is my advice for you...
Look at lots of rifle porn until you find something you like.
After building plenty of custom rifles I have become spoiled with the nicer actions and custom barrels. I like Stillers for the money you get a nice action. Personally I try to avoid gunsmiths as much as possible cause they take forever to do things for you. Good accuracy comes mainly from a custom barrel. The newer savage actions are pretty sweet and you can buy a custom barrel and put it on yourself with a little know how, but getting a smith involved might be a good idea. You should look at a savage and a Remington 700. You can always upgrade the trigger and swap the barrel out later. The newer chassis systems are nice cause they eliminate most of the gunsmithing work.
Things to figure out:
what caliber?
what action
stock
trigger
bottom metal to run detachable magazines?
barrel
scope rings and bases
Custom builds can get expensive.
Take your time and have fun!
Here is my advice for you...
Look at lots of rifle porn until you find something you like.
After building plenty of custom rifles I have become spoiled with the nicer actions and custom barrels. I like Stillers for the money you get a nice action. Personally I try to avoid gunsmiths as much as possible cause they take forever to do things for you. Good accuracy comes mainly from a custom barrel. The newer savage actions are pretty sweet and you can buy a custom barrel and put it on yourself with a little know how, but getting a smith involved might be a good idea. You should look at a savage and a Remington 700. You can always upgrade the trigger and swap the barrel out later. The newer chassis systems are nice cause they eliminate most of the gunsmithing work.
Things to figure out:
what caliber?
what action
stock
trigger
bottom metal to run detachable magazines?
barrel
scope rings and bases
Custom builds can get expensive.
Take your time and have fun!
Re: Want to build a precision rifle need help.
Thank you fellas for all of the advice given. I'll be honest I am leaning toward the 6.5 caliber. I want to start shooting steel matches and I think this is my best bet to be competitive in the sport. I do agree with Action Guy in the fact that I already know the M40 A5 platform and the ballistics of the 308. I unfortunately only have enough cash to go after one caliber right now and I don't want to be completely out gunned on the competition scene. Thank you all for your advice on everything that was recommended.
Thank you fellas for all of the advice given. I'll be honest I am leaning toward the 6.5 caliber. I want to start shooting steel matches and I think this is my best bet to be competitive in the sport. I do agree with Action Guy in the fact that I already know the M40 A5 platform and the ballistics of the 308. I unfortunately only have enough cash to go after one caliber right now and I don't want to be completely out gunned on the competition scene. Thank you all for your advice on everything that was recommended.
Re: Want to build a precision rifle need help.
Read as much as you can without going crazy. There are a few other forums, along with a bunch of manufacturing info to go through. The 308 is cheaper and easier to find loaded ammo for. The 6.5 group has better performance at longer ranges.
There aren't many factory guns in the 6.5 group, which means you need to source parts and find a qualified gunsmith to fit the pieces. It cost more to shoot and unless your going to reload, all but the 6.5 Creedmoor are out of the running since there is no commercial ammo available. The reward in doing it yourself is cool when it all works. Mine shoots tidy little groups, unless I do something wrong.
Read as much as you can without going crazy. There are a few other forums, along with a bunch of manufacturing info to go through. The 308 is cheaper and easier to find loaded ammo for. The 6.5 group has better performance at longer ranges.
There aren't many factory guns in the 6.5 group, which means you need to source parts and find a qualified gunsmith to fit the pieces. It cost more to shoot and unless your going to reload, all but the 6.5 Creedmoor are out of the running since there is no commercial ammo available. The reward in doing it yourself is cool when it all works. Mine shoots tidy little groups, unless I do something wrong.
